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At least 60 people killed in fireworks blast, blaze

December 30, 2001|By Items compiled from Tribune news services.

LIMA, PERU — A cache of fireworks exploded Saturday night at a shop near a street market in downtown Lima, spreading a fire through four blocks of apartments and stores. The city fire chief said at least 60 people were killed.

The initial blast ripped through a fireworks shop about 8 p.m., Lima Fire Chief Tulio Nicolini said. Flames rushed through the three- and four-story buildings as firefighters and volunteers dragged people from the burning buildings.

Bodies charred beyond recognition were scattered in the streets and in buildings. Police carried badly burned victims in makeshift stretchers made of plastic sheeting.

One firefighter rushed from a burning building with a baby as people stumbled out into the smoky street, where flames had gutted parked cars.

A dozen people trapped behind security bars on the second floor of a building pushed their arms through broken windows and screamed to be rescued.

Interior Minister Fernando Rospigliosi said the fire was brought under control shortly before midnight.